Maggie's Farm

From Bruce Kesler:

In light of why most holiday celebrations are directed toward children:

In recent years, Christmas has become more and more commercialized. The same holds true for Chanukah, even though it is a minor holiday. It makes sense. How could we market a major holiday such as Yom Kippur? Forget about celebrating. Think observing. Come to synagogue, starve yourself for 27 hours, become one with your dehydrated soul, beat your chest, confess your sins, a guaranteed good time for you and your family. Tickets a mere $200 per person.
Better stick with Chanukah!

Purists decry the commercialization and simplification of holy days.  But, few among us have the interest or training to delve into the deeper meanings.  Religions have found that stressing a central theme or lesson accomplishes most, and making it enjoyable transmits the core meaning to children they can build upon and enlarge.  The central theme of Chanukah and of Christmas is that devotion to our faith takes courage that can overcome even hostile empires.